Supporting A Friend Through Their First Month of Grief - 025
When someone's world is turned upside down by tragedy, it's easy to feel helpless in how to best support them.
What to say?
What to not say?
Should I send that text?
Should I give them space?
As a young person who's lost a sister, I'm sharing the advice and guidance I wish my friends had when I first lost her so you can cope better with your own grief and in supporting your friend with theirs.
Please note there's no black and white rules with this - I'm simply sharing what I found most helpful and most unhelpful during my traumatic first month of grief.
The most important thing to remember is to always ask what they need if you're unsure (rather than just assume), and to not judge yourself or your friend;
You're both doing the best you can.
My advice to best support a friend through grief -
Ask specifically what they want or need, don’t just assume.
You’re not there to fix anything, you’re there to help them feel.
Ask ‘‘how are you today?’’ – not just ‘‘how are you?’’
Send texts or quotes without the expectation they’ll be replied to
Always address the elephant in the room – acknowledge their loss
Be mindful of what you’re complaining about around them (or even better, don’t complain at all!)
Don’t forget:
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